If someone with diabetes has confusing blood sugar and A1c results, a special blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis can help find rare blood conditions that might be messing with their A1c, even if their regular blood tests look mostly normal.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Community contributions welcome

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Plasma glucose and HbA1c discrepancy may indicate hemoglobinopathy: a case series

Case Report

Human

2025 Aug

The study looked at people with diabetes who had mismatched blood sugar and HbA1c results. Even when their blood tests seemed mostly normal, a special test (hemoglobin electrophoresis) found hidden blood disorders that were affecting their HbA1c. This supports using that test in such cases.

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Source Study

Plasma glucose and HbA1c discrepancy may indicate hemoglobinopathy: a case series

Score: 20

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2025.2557519

Similar Assertions

If someone with diabetes has blood sugar numbers that don't match their A1c test, it might be due to a hidden blood condition — even if their blood tests look mostly normal. In those cases, a special blood test could help get the right diagnosis.

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If someone has certain blood conditions like sickle cell trait, their A1c test might show lower blood sugar levels than they actually have, which could trick doctors into thinking diabetes is under control when it's not — especially if they don't also check regular blood sugar tests.

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